U.S. patent application number 14/402923 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-04 for waste disposal system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sangenic International Ltd.. Invention is credited to Douglas Begg, Matthew James Brady, Nicholas Martin Broadbent, Kenneth Hogue, Benjamin Krupp, Andrew Mattocks, Paul Schofield, Andrew Julian Stockdale, Benjamin John Strutt, David Tekamp, Kenneth Waeber, James Yoder.
Application Number | 20150151908 14/402923 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46546675 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150151908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schofield; Paul ; et
al. |
June 4, 2015 |
WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
Abstract
A waste disposal device for sealing waste and a cassette for
dispensing film are disclosed. The waste disposal device comprises
first and second rollers, each comprising first and second end
portions and a joining portion therebetween. The end portions of
the first and second rollers are arranged to receive and seal first
and second film portions therebetween as the first and second
rollers rotate. The joining portions of the first and second
rollers are arranged to define an aperture for receiving waste in a
first rotary configuration of the rollers and to seal the first and
second film portions therebetween in a second rotary configuration
of the first and second rollers. The cassette comprises first and
second portions comprising respective first and second film
dispensers. The first portion is mechanically connected to the
second portion. The cassette is moveable between a first, compact
configuration and a second, extended configuration.
Inventors: |
Schofield; Paul;
(Cramlington, GB) ; Begg; Douglas; (Cramlington,
GB) ; Mattocks; Andrew; (Cramlington, GB) ;
Brady; Matthew James; (Cramlington, GB) ; Strutt;
Benjamin John; (Cramlington, GB) ; Stockdale; Andrew
Julian; (Cramlington, GB) ; Broadbent; Nicholas
Martin; (Cramlington, GB) ; Waeber; Kenneth;
(Mason, OH) ; Krupp; Benjamin; (Mason, OH)
; Hogue; Kenneth; (Mason, OH) ; Yoder; James;
(Mason, OH) ; Tekamp; David; (Mason, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sangenic International Ltd. |
Cramlington |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
46546675 |
Appl. No.: |
14/402923 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
May 28, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2013/051409 |
371 Date: |
November 21, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/545 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 39/007 20130101;
B65F 2240/132 20130101; B65F 2210/167 20130101; B65F 1/062
20130101; B65B 35/10 20130101; B65B 51/16 20130101; B65B 41/16
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65F 1/06 20060101
B65F001/06; B65B 51/16 20060101 B65B051/16; B65B 39/00 20060101
B65B039/00; B65B 35/10 20060101 B65B035/10; B65B 41/16 20060101
B65B041/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 25, 2012 |
GB |
1209254.0 |
Claims
1. A disposal device for sealing waste, the waste disposal device
comprising first and second rollers, each of the first and second
rollers comprising first and second end portions and a joining
portion therebetween wherein an end portion of the first roller and
an end portion of the second roller are arranged to receive and
seal first and second film portions therebetween as the first and
second rollers rotate, and wherein the joining portion of the first
roller and the joining portion of the second roller are arranged to
define an aperture for receiving waste in a first rotary
configuration of the first and second rollers and to seal the first
and second film portions therebetween in a second rotary
configuration of the first and second rollers.
2. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end
portions of the first and second rollers are substantially
cylindrical.
3. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
joining portion of each of the first and second rollers is offset
from a central axis through each of the first and second
rollers.
4. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
joining portion of each of the first and second rollers
substantially form a circular sector in cross section.
5. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
circular sector substantially formed by the joining portion of each
of the first and second rollers has a central angle of less than
90.degree..
6. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
circular sector substantially formed by the joining portion of each
of the first and second rollers has a central angle of greater than
15.degree..
7. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at
least a portion of at least one of the first and second rollers is
covered with a flexible material.
8. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at
least an end portion of at least one of the first and second
rollers comprises a depression for capturing liquid between first
and second film portions.
9. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
joining portion of at least one of the first and second rollers
comprises a plurality of depressions for capturing liquid between
first and second film portions across the width of the first and
second rollers.
10. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
joining portions seal the first and second film portions once per
360.degree. rotation of the rollers.
11. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a
first end portion of the first roller and a first end portion of
the second roller contact each other throughout rotation of the
first and second rollers to form a seal along a first end of each
of the first and second film portions.
12. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 11, wherein a
second end portion of the first roller and a second end portion of
the second roller contact each other throughout rotation of the
first and second rollers to form a seal along a second end of each
of the first and second film portions.
13. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the
joining portion of the first roller and the joining portion of the
second roller contact each other during rotation of the first and
second rollers to form an elongate seal between first and second
ends of each of the first and second film portions.
14. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at
least one film portion comprises an adhesive on a face thereof.
15. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
waste disposal device is adapted to receive a cassette for
dispensing the first and second film portions.
16. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
second roller is biased towards the first roller to provide a
sealing force.
17. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein
rotation of the second roller is driven by rotation of the first
roller.
18. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a receptacle for storing waste.
19. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
receptacle comprises a drawer.
20. The waste disposal device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a guide for guiding waste between the first and second
rollers.
21-53. (canceled)
Description
FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a waste disposal system and, in
particular, a waste disposal system for sealing and storing items
of waste.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Waste storage devices are known in which an item of waste,
such as a baby's nappy (diaper) or other personal waste, is
individually wrapped. For example, the item of waste may be
received in a tube of film, and a twist in the film is provided at
either side of the item of waste to form a package containing the
item of waste. However, such twists in the film may unravel over
time and thus may not provide a seal sufficient to prevent odour
and waste leaking from the package.
[0003] Additionally, known waste storage devices make use of
replaceable cassettes which dispense the film in which an item of
waste is packaged. Such cassettes are insertable into the waste
storage device, usually at the top. Conventional waste storage
cassettes generally comprise a solid body with an aperture therein,
the aperture being large enough to receive an item of waste
therethrough. As a result, known cassettes can be bulky and
difficult to transport and store.
[0004] An invention is set out in the claims.
[0005] A waste disposal device for sealing waste is provided. The
waste disposal device comprises first and second rollers. Each of
the first and second rollers comprises first and second end
portions and a joining portion therebetween. An end portion of the
first roller and an end portion of the second roller are arranged
to receive and seal first and second film portions therebetween as
the first and second rollers rotate. The joining portion of the
first roller and the joining portion of the second roller are
arranged to define an aperture for receiving waste in a first
rotary configuration of the first and second rollers and to seal
the first and second film portions therebetween in a second rotary
configuration of the first and second rollers.
[0006] A cassette for dispensing film is also provided. The
cassette comprises a first portion comprising a first film
dispenser and a second portion comprising a second film dispenser.
The first portion is mechanically connected to the second portion.
The cassette is moveable between a first, compact configuration and
a second, extended configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Specific embodiments and examples are shown in the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a waste disposal device;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the waste disposal device;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of a lid of the waste
disposal device;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a second perspective view showing an underside of
the lid of the waste disposal device;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid of the waste
disposal device with the lid cover not shown;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid of the waste
disposal device with the ring and handle not shown;
[0014] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a slip device.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a top section of the waste
disposal device;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cover of the top section
of the waste disposal device;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of the top
section of the waste disposal device;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a replaceable cassette and
a waste sealing system of the top section of the waste disposal
device;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cassette shown in FIG.
10;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cassette in a folded
configuration;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a side view of the cassette;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a side view of the cassette in a folded
configuration;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a top view of the cassette;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the cassette;
[0025] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the cassette along
line A-A shown in FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the cassette along
line A-A shown in FIG. 15 with the cassette in a folded
configuration;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a first perspective view of the cassette being
inserted into the top section of the waste disposal device;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a second perspective view of the cassette being
inserted into the top section of the waste disposal device;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a first perspective view of the cassette
unfolding in the top section of the waste disposal device;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a second perspective view of the cassette
unfolding in the top section of the waste disposal device;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a first perspective view of the cassette in situ
in the top section of the waste disposal device;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a second perspective view of the cassette in situ
in the top section of the waste disposal device;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the waste sealing mechanism
of the top section of the waste disposal device;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cover
of the top section of the waste disposal device;
[0035] FIG. 25A is a bottom view of a first section of a frame;
[0036] FIG. 25B is a bottom view of the first and a second section
of the frame;
[0037] FIG. 26A is a first perspective view of the waste sealing
mechanism with rollers not shown;
[0038] FIG. 26B is a second perspective view of the waste sealing
mechanism with rollers and gears not shown;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a spur gear and a drive
shaft;
[0040] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a lid mechanism of the
waste disposal device and the waste sealing mechanism of the waste
disposal device;
[0041] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the waste sealing mechanism
in a first configuration;
[0042] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the waste sealing mechanism
in a second configuration;
[0043] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the waste sealing mechanism
in a third configuration;
[0044] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the waste sealing mechanism
in a fourth configuration;
[0045] FIG. 32A is a front view of a driving gear including a
ratchet mechanism;
[0046] FIG. 32B is a side view of the driving gear including the
ratchet mechanism;
[0047] FIG. 32C is a perspective view of the driving gear including
the ratchet mechanism;
[0048] FIG. 33 is a first perspective view of a locking mechanism
engaging with a locking plate of the lid;
[0049] FIG. 34 is a second perspective view of the locking
mechanism engaging with a locking plate of the lid;
[0050] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a lock of the waste
disposal device mounted on a frame;
[0051] FIG. 36 is a right-side view of the lock;
[0052] FIG. 37 is a left-side view of the lock;
[0053] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the lock;
[0054] FIG. 39 is a side view of a driving gear;
[0055] FIG. 40 is a front view of an alternative locking
mechanism;
[0056] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a brake rod of the
alternative locking mechanism;
[0057] FIG. 42 is an upper perspective view of an alternative
cassette;
[0058] FIG. 43 is a lower perspective view of an alternative
cassette;
[0059] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an alternative waste
disposal device;
[0060] FIG. 44a is a perspective view of an alternative waste
disposal device with its removable drawer taken out of the
device;
[0061] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an alternative waste
sealing mechanism;
[0062] FIG. 46 is a front view of a control knob with a cap
removed;
[0063] FIG. 47 is a front view of a ratchet system in a neutral
position;
[0064] FIG. 48 is a front view of the ratchet system in a neutral
position with a hub portion removed;
[0065] FIG. 49 is a front view of the ratchet system in a second
position with a hub portion removed;
[0066] FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of an alternative waste
sealing device;
[0067] FIG. 51 is a side view of the waste sealing device of FIG.
50;
[0068] FIG. 52 is a front perspective view of a waste sealing
mechanism of the waste sealing device of FIGS. 51-52;
[0069] FIG. 53 is a side view of the waste sealing mechanism of
FIG. 52; and
[0070] FIG. 54 is a second perspective view of the waste sealing
mechanism of FIG. 52.
OVERVIEW
[0071] A waste disposal device for sealing waste is provided. The
waste disposal device is arranged to receive waste items, usually
in an upper part of the device. The waste disposal device can
further receive a cassette, wherein the cassette includes film for
wrapping waste. Below its waste-receiving portion, the device
comprises first and second rollers, each comprising first and
second substantially cylindrical end portions and a joining portion
therebetween. Each end portion of the first roller interacts with
the corresponding end portion of the second roller to receive and
seal together the ends of first and second film portions
therebetween as the rollers rotate. The joining portions of the
rollers define an aperture for receiving waste when the rollers are
in a first rotary configuration. The rollers rotate, with the
aperture allowing the waste item to pass therethrough, between the
sealed ends of the film portions. After the waste item has passed
through the aperture, the joining portions of the rollers come
together in a second rotary configuration. The rollers thereby seal
together the first and second film portions along their length,
between the already-sealed ends. The rollers can seal the film
portions both above and below an encapsulated waste item. Thus the
waste disposal device provides an effective seal around an item of
waste that passes through the rollers.
[0072] Additionally, a cassette for dispensing film is provided.
The cassette comprises a first portion hinged to a second portion.
The first and second portions each house a film dispenser, for
example a roll of film. The cassette is moveable between a first,
compact configuration and a second, extended configuration by
folding or unfolding the first and second portions via the hinge.
In the first, compact (or folded) configuration, the rolls of film
are adjacent to one another. In the second, extended (or unfolded)
configuration, the rolls of film are separated to define an
aperture therebetween for receiving an item of waste. Thus the
cassette can be easily transported and stored when in its first,
compact configuration, whilst still providing a sufficiently large
aperture for receiving an item of waste between the first and
second film dispensers when in its second, extended
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0073] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an improved waste disposal device 1. The
waste disposal device 1 comprises a lid 100, a top section 200 and
a bottom section 300. The bottom section 300 comprises a base and a
surrounding wall 302, forming a receptacle for receiving waste
inserted into the waste disposal device 1. An upper part 304 of the
surrounding wall 302 is recessed defining a shoulder 306.
[0074] The bottom section 300 may further comprise a drawer
provided in the surrounding wall 302, into which waste is received.
The drawer can be removed from the bottom section 300 for ease of
access to the waste when a user empties the waste disposal device
1.
[0075] The top section 200 comprises a top face 202 and a
surrounding wall 204. The surrounding wall 204 of the top section
200 fits over the recessed upper portion 304 of the bottom section
300 and rests on the shoulder 306 to define an enclosure.
Lid
[0076] The lid 100 comprises a cover 102 that is pivotally attached
to the top section 200 via a hinge along an edge 104 of the lid
100. The lid 100 will now be described in more detail with
reference to FIGS. 3 to 6A.
[0077] Turning to FIG. 3, the cover 102 has a substantially
circular cut-out portion in which a ring 106 is located. The ring
106 is comprised of a substantially circular disc and is rotatable
within the cut out portion of the cover 102. A handle 108 is
provided on the ring 106 to facilitate rotation of the ring 106.
The handle 108 is rotatable with respect to the ring 106.
[0078] FIG. 5 shows the lid 100 with the cover 102 not shown. FIG.
6 shows the same view as FIG. 5 but with the ring 106 and handle
108 also not shown.
[0079] The ring 106 rotates on a ring support 110 provided on an
underside of the cover 102. The ring support 110 is generally
circular and substantially U-shaped in cross-section, said U-shape
being defined by an inner wall 112 and an outer wall 114 joined by
a base portion 116 therebetween. The outer wall 114 comprises a
flange 118 that extends radially outwards for securing the ring
support 110 to the cover 102.
[0080] The ring 106 has a downwardly projecting lip 120 at its
periphery. The lip 120 of the ring 106 rests on the base 116 of the
ring support 110 and is contained by the inner 112 and outer 114
walls of the ring support 110 to keep the ring 106 centred within
the ring support 110.
[0081] A plurality of teeth 122 are provided around the lip 120 of
the ring 106. In one embodiment a ratchet 140 provided in an
arc-shaped channel 144 in the flange 118 of the outer wall 114 of
the ring support 110 cooperates with the teeth 122 of the ring 106
to ensure rotation of the ring 106 in a single direction. The ring
teeth 122 mesh with outer teeth 124 around the circumference of a
spur gear 126 also provided in the ring support 110 on the
underside of the cover 102. The spur gear 126 has a hole 128
therethrough which receives and engages a drive shaft 538 via inner
teeth 130.
[0082] A switch 142 allows a user to disengage the ratchet 140 from
the ring 106 in the event that the waste disposal device 1 becomes
jammed.
[0083] The ratchet 140 comprises first 146 and second 148 arms
joined to one another at a first end of the ratchet 140. The first
146 and second 148 arms are provided adjacent to one another and
are deflectable towards or away from one another. The first arm 146
is shorter than the second arm 148. A portion of the second arm 148
that extends beyond the end of the first arm 146 towards the second
end of the ratchet 140 is provided with ratchet teeth.
[0084] The ratchet 140 is movable within the arc-shaped channel
144. As a user rotates the ring 106 in a first direction (clockwise
in FIG. 6), the ratchet 140 is dragged along the arc-shaped channel
144 away from the switch 142 by the frictional force between the
first arm 146 and the teeth 122 of the ring 106. The friction
between the teeth 122 of the ring 106 and the first arm 146 of the
ratchet 140 is not significant enough for the user to feel any
noticeable resistance when rotating the ring 106.
[0085] As the user rotates the ring 106 in a second direction
(anti-clockwise in FIG. 6), the ratchet 140 is dragged along the
arc-shaped channel 144 towards the switch 142. The switch 142 has a
ramped portion on an underside thereof. When the switch 142 is
engaged, as the ratchet 140 is dragged towards the switch the
second arm 148 of the ratchet abuts the ramped portion of the
switch 142. As the ratchet 140 is dragged further towards the
switch 142, the ramped portion causes the second arm 148 to be
deflected towards the first arm 146, such that the ratchet teeth
engage with the teeth 122 of the ring 106, preventing further
rotation of the ring 106 in the second direction.
[0086] Thus, when the switch 142 is engaged, only a small amount of
reverse rotation can be applied to the ring 106, allowing the user
to overcome small obstructions in the mechanism.
[0087] If the user encounters a larger obstruction, the user can
disengage the switch 142. When the switch 142 is disengaged, the
ramped portion is directed away from the path of the ratchet 140,
such that the second arm 148 of the ratchet 140 does not abut the
ramped portion of the switch 142 when the ring 106 is rotated in
the second direction, allowing free rotation of the ring 106.
[0088] Alternatively, a ratchet mechanism can be provided in the
waste sealing mechanism 500, as will be described in more detail
below.
[0089] The spur gear 126 may alternatively comprise a slip device
152 as shown in FIG. 6A. The slip device 152 prevents excessive
torque being applied to the waste sealing mechanism 500, for
example if the waste sealing mechanism 500 is locked or jammed.
[0090] The slip device 152 comprises an inner spur gear 154 and an
outer slip gear 156. The outer slip gear 156 comprises an aperture
therethrough in which the inner spur gear 154 is provided, so that
the inner spur gear 154 and the outer slip gear 156 are concentric
with and in the same plane as one another. The inner spur gear 154
comprises the hole 128 which receives and engages a drive shaft 538
via inner teeth 130, as described above in relation to the spur
gear 126. The outer teeth 124 described above that cooperate with
the ring teeth 122 are provided around the outer circumference of
the outer slip gear 156.
[0091] A plurality of rounded teeth 158 are provided around the
outer circumference of the inner spur gear 154. The outer slip gear
156 comprises one or more flexible arms 160, which depend radially
inwardly from the outer slip gear 156. A free end of the flexible
arm 160 is received between two of the rounded teeth 158 on the
inner spur gear 154, such that rotation of the outer slip gear 156
causes rotation of the inner spur gear 154. However, when an
excessive torque is applied to the outer slip gear 156, the
flexible arms 160 will flex, and slip over one or more of the
rounded teeth 158. Hence excessive torque will not be transferred
through the slip device 152 to the drive shaft 538.
[0092] The amount of torque that causes the flexible arms 160 to
slip over the rounded teeth 158 can be adjusted in a number of ways
as desired, including changing the number of flexible arms 160 that
engage with the rounded teeth 158; changing the stiffness of the
flexible arms, by suitable choice of material or dimensions of the
flexible arms 160; or altering the depth or shape of the rounded
teeth 158, so that the amount of flexing of the flexible arms 160
required to caused slipping is lessened or increased, as
required.
Top Section
[0093] Turning now to FIG. 7, the upper face 202 of the top section
200 of the waste disposal device 1 has an aperture 220 in which a
removable insert 206 is provided. The removable insert 206
comprises a funnel portion 208 and an aperture 210 through which
waste can be inserted into the device.
[0094] The upper face 202 and the removable insert 206 each
comprise a respective hole 213, 215 through which the drive shaft
538 extends. The upper face 202 and the removable insert 206 each
further comprise a respective slot 216, 218 through which a locking
plate 132 of the lid 100 extends. The drive mechanism and locking
mechanism will each be explained in more detail below.
[0095] As best shown in FIG. 8, the top section 200 comprises a
first shelf 212 on an inner surface of the wall 204. A second shelf
214 is provided on the inner surface of the wall 204 substantially
opposite the first shelf 212, as shown in FIG. 9. The first 212 and
second 214 shelves can support a replaceable cassette 400.
Cassette
[0096] FIG. 10 shows a replaceable cassette 400 and a waste sealing
system 500, which are provided within the top section 200 (not
shown). The replaceable cassette 400 will now be described in
detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 23.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 11, the replaceable cassette 400 comprises
two substantially identical sections 402, 404 pivotally attached to
one another via hinges 406, 408. Where the following description
refers to one section, it will be understood that the other section
comprises substantially identical features, according to an
embodiment.
[0098] Section 402 comprises a top face 416, a first side wall 418
and a second side wall 420. The first side wall 418 depends from a
first edge of the top face 416 and the second side wall 420 depends
from a second edge of the top face 416 opposite the first edge.
[0099] The first hinge 406 is provided in the first side wall 418
and the second hinge 408 is provided in the second side wall 420.
The first hinge 406 comprises a circular clip that projects
outwardly from the first side wall 418. The second hinge 408
comprises a corresponding circular aperture in the second side wall
420. During assembly, the clip of the first hinge 406 of the first
section 402 is inserted through the aperture of the second hinge
408 of the second section 404, and the clip of the first hinge 406
of the second section 404 is inserted through the aperture of the
second hinge 408 of the first section 402 to form the cassette
400.
[0100] The first 406 and second 408 hinges of the first 402 and
second 404 sections allow the first section 402 to rotate with
respect to the second section 404 into the configuration shown in
FIG. 12. FIGS. 17A and 17B are cross-sectional views of the
cassette in an unfolded and a folded configuration, respectively,
through the line A-A shown in FIG. 15. FIGS. 17A and 17B show the
interior face of the side walls 418 and 420 of the first 402 and
second 404 sections.
[0101] As best seen in FIG. 17B, the first side wall 418 includes a
first abutment 422. When the cassette is in the unfolded
configuration shown in FIG. 17A, the first abutment 422 abuts a
third edge of the top face 416 extending between the hinges 406 and
408 to prevent over-rotation of the first section 402 with respect
to the second section 404 past the unfolded configuration.
[0102] As best seen in FIG. 17A, a second abutment 424 depends from
the top face 416. When the cassette is in the fully folded
configuration shown in FIG. 17B, the second abutment 424 abuts the
lower edge of the first side wall 418 to prevent over-rotation of
the first section 402 with respect to the second section 404 past
the fully folded configuration.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 11, the top face 416 has a cut-out portion
along the third edge such that, when attached to one another, the
first 402 and second 404 sections define an aperture 410 through
which waste is guided by the funnel portion 208 of the removable
insert 206.
[0104] Each section 402, 404 holds a roll of film 412. The roll of
film 412 is rotatably supported by supports 426 and 428 on the
interior surface of the respective first 418 and second 420 side
walls. Referring to FIG. 17A, the roll of film 412 comprises a
length of film 434 wound around a tube 436. As shown in FIG. 15,
the tube 436 comprises a projecting section 438 that projects past
the edge of the wound film 434, along the (longitudinal) axial
direction of the tube 436.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 17A, the first support 426 comprises a
cross (+) shape projecting from the interior of the first side wall
418. The width of the cross is less than the interior diameter of
the tube 436. The second support 428 comprises an inner portion
430, shown in FIG. 17A, and an outer portion 432, shown in FIGS. 15
and 16. The inner 430 and outer 432 portions project from the
interior of the second side wall 420 and are semi-circular in cross
section. The outer radius of the inner portion 430 is less than the
inner radius of the tube 436 and the inner radius of the outer
portion 432 is greater than the outer radius of the tube 436. The
inner portion 430 is provided diametrically opposite to the outer
portion 432.
[0106] The first support 426 and the inner portion 430 of the
second support 428 fit inside the ends of the tube 436 to support
the roll of film 412. The outer portion 432 of the second support
428 fits over the projection portion 438 of the tube 436, thereby
preventing improper assembly of the cassette 400 by inserting the
roll of film 412 the wrong way round.
[0107] After assembly of the cassette 400, as shown in FIG. 11,
tabs 440 depending from the ends of the first 418 and second 420
side walls are fixed to a fourth edge of the top face 416. The tabs
440 each comprise a projecting clip, and the fourth edge of the top
face 416 comprises corresponding holes. The tabs 440 are fixed to
the top face 416 by inserting the clips through the holes. The tabs
440 enhance the rigidity of the cassette 400. Before assembly of
the cassette 400, the tabs 440 are not fixed to the top face 416.
This allows the first 418 and second 420 side walls to flex
outwardly away from the top face 416 so that a roll of film 412 can
be installed on the first 426 and second 428 supports. After the
roll of film 412 has been installed, the tabs 440 are fixed to the
fourth edge of the top face 416, securing the roll of film 412 in
the cassette 400.
[0108] The rigidity of the cassette is enhanced further by
strengthening some of the structural parts. For example, the top
face 416 and/or the wall depending from the fourth edge of the top
face 416 may have a slight curvature such that they are slightly
domed. The slight curvature adds rigidity to the cassette sections
402 and 404.
[0109] The roll of film 412 is oriented in the cassette 400 such
that film 434 comes off the roll 412 from the area of the roll
proximal to the top face 416 in a direction towards the third edge
of the top face 416 as shown by the arrows 442 in FIG. 17A.
[0110] The outer surface of the film 434 on each roll comprises an
adhesive such that when the outer surface of the film 434 of the
first roll 412 is pressed against the outer surface of the film 434
of the second roll 414 the films adhere together.
[0111] Alternatively, the roll of film 412 may be oriented in the
cassette 400 such that film 434 comes off the roll 412 from the
area of the roll distal from the top face 416 in a direction
towards the third edge of the top face 416. In this configuration,
the inner surface of the film 434 on each roll comprises the
adhesive instead of the outer surface. This arrangement allows the
rolls to be packaged without the film adhering to the wrong
surfaces.
[0112] During (or just after) assembly of the cassette 400, the end
of the film 434 of the roll 412 of the first section 402 may be
adhered to the end of the film 434 of the roll 412 of the second
section 404. Thus, when the cassette 400 is in use in a waste
disposal device 1, as described further below, when waste is
inserted through the aperture 410, the waste contacts the film 434
and draws the film 434 from the rolls 412.
[0113] When a roll of film 434 becomes depleted, a user may wish to
replace the cassette 400 of the waste disposal device 1. As will
now be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 23, the folding
action of the cassette 400 described above allows the cassette 400
of the waste disposal device 1 to be removed and replaced.
[0114] The steps for inserting a cassette 400 into the waste
disposal device 1 will be described. However, it will be apparent
to the reader that substantially the same steps apply in reverse
for the removal of a cassette 400 from the waste disposal device
1.
[0115] To insert a cassette 400 into the waste disposal device 1,
firstly the lid 100 is opened and the removable insert 206 is
removed, exposing the aperture 220 in the face 202 of the top
section 200. The relative dimensions of the aperture 220 and the
cassette 400 in its folded configuration are such that the cassette
400 can be inserted through the aperture 220 as shown in FIG. 18.
As shown in FIG. 19, when the cassette 400 is inserted through the
aperture 220, the lower edges of the first 418 and second 420 side
walls abut the first 212 and second 214 shelves of the top section
200.
[0116] Downward pressure is then applied by the user on the upper
part of the first 406 and second 408 hinges of the cassette 400 as
shown by arrows 444 to unfold the cassette as shown in FIG. 20. As
shown in FIG. 21, this causes the lower edges of the first 418 and
second 420 side walls to slide laterally along the first 212 and
second 214 shelves, until the cassette 400 reaches the unfolded
configuration shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 23, when the cassette 400 is inserted into
the waste disposal device 1, the cassette 400 is supported by the
first 212 and second 214 shelves of the top section 200.
[0118] To remove the cassette 400, a user may pull the cassette 400
upwards using the abutments 422, causing the cassette 400 to fold
under its own weight into the folded configuration such that it can
be removed through the aperture 220.
[0119] An alternative cassette 900 is shown in FIGS. 42 and 43. The
alternative cassette 900 operates in a similar manner to the
cassette 400 described above. The alternative cassette 900 differs
from the cassette 400 in that the top face 916 is concavely curved
to encompass the rolls of film 912. The curved top face 916
improves the strength and rigidity of the cassette 900, is simple
to manufacture and is easier for users to install into a waste
disposal device.
[0120] The alternative cassette 900 has second supports 928 for
supporting an end of a roll of film. Each of the second supports
928 comprises a semi-circular inner portion and a semi-circular
outer portion, similar to the second supports 428 of the cassette
400 described above.
[0121] In place of the cross-shaped first supports 426 of the
cassette 400, the alternative cassette 900 comprises holes 926
which receive core locks 927.
[0122] To assemble the alternative cassette 900 with a roll of film
412, a first end of the tube 438 of the roll of film 412 is placed
onto the second support 928. As described above, the first end of
the tube 436 comprises a projecting section 438, which ensures that
the roll of film 412 can only be installed into the cassette 900 in
the correct orientation. The roll of film 412 is then aligned
within the cassette 900 such that the second end of the tube 436 is
approximately concentric with the hole 926 of the cassette 900.
Finally, a core lock 927 is received through the hole 926 of the
cassette 900 and into the tube 436 of the roll of film 412, thereby
securing the roll of film 412 within the cassette 900.
[0123] The above-described assembly method allows the use of a
rigid and structurally secure frame in the cassette 900, since the
cassette frame does not need to be deformed in order to install
rolls of film into the cassette 900.
[0124] Further alternative cassettes may replace the mechanical
hinges 406, 408 or 906, 908 of the above embodiments with
alternative movable components. For example, a live hinge,
comprising a thin, flexible plastic bridge between and integral
with the two substantially identical sections of the cassette
(either 402, 404 or 902, 904). Such a hinge has the added advantage
that the whole cassette may be moulded as a single plastic
component, reducing assembly time, and may have the further
advantage that the cassette can be moulded with an innate desire to
flex or unflex (for example, biased towards the folded or the
unfolded configuration) during the installation of the cassette
into the waste storage device.
[0125] The alternative cassette 900 optionally comprises a leader
card 946 projecting vertically through the centre of the cassette
900 (in the orientation shown in FIG. 42) and between the two
substantially identical sections 902, 904. The leader card 946 is
substantially planar and extends between the first and second
hinges 906, 908 of the cassette 900. An end of each of the rolls of
film 912 is affixed to opposing faces of the leader card 946 along
the edge which contains tabs 948.
[0126] The cassette 900 is installed into a waste disposal device
in the same way as cassette 400. After the cassette 900 has been
inserted into a waste disposal device, the leader card 946 may be
pushed into the waste sealing mechanism by a user, and then drawn
through the waste sealing mechanism by the rollers 600, 602 by
operating the waste sealing mechanism for one cycle. Holes 950 in
the leader card 946 ensure that a secure adhesive join is made
between the two rolls of film 912 as the leader card 946 passes
through the rollers 600, the mechanism of which is described in
more detail below. Thus the need for the user to join the ends of
the rolls of film 912 together manually before first using the
cassette 900 is avoided. Further, the leader card 946 ensures that
the initial feeding operation seals the ends of the film 912 across
their full width with minimal distortion so that the film 912 is in
the optimal arrangement relative to the sealing mechanism and
therefore ready to receive waste.
[0127] Further, it may be helpful to use the tabs 948 on the
leading edge of the leader card 946 to locate into receiving
features on the rollers thereby assisting the user to line up the
film correctly relatively to the rollers 600, 602. Such receiving
features may be depressions moulded into the surface of rollers
600, 602, similar to those described below for capturing liquid,
albeit that the shape may be adapted to be more precisely
compatible with the shape of the tabs 948.
[0128] It should be noted that, regardless of the cassette design
400 or 900, the rolls of film should be positioned along their
respective cores such that as the strips of film are dispensed from
each roll they will meet squarely, thereby ensuring maximum overlap
and sealing with a minimum of lateral distortion.
[0129] For some material combinations of the film and the rollers,
static build up might cause the leading edge of the film cling to
one of the rollers and become wrapped around it instead of hanging
down into the bottom section of the waste storage device. If this
is a problem, the bottom section or the removable drawer may
contain a suitable device, for example a hook or similar, for
securing the leading edge of the film away from the rollers.
Waste Sealing Mechanism
[0130] The waste sealing mechanism 500 will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 24 to 32.
[0131] The waste sealing mechanism 500 is housed in a frame 502.
The frame 502 comprises first 504 and third 506 relatively short
opposing side walls joined by second 508 and fourth 510 relatively
long opposing side walls. FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of
the frame 502 and the top section 200 along the line B-B shown in
FIG. 24.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 24, a flange 512 extends from the upper
edges of the second 508 and fourth 510 side walls for securing the
frame 502 to a wall 222 depending from the underside of the face
202 of the top section 200, as shown in FIG. 25.
[0133] Alternatively, with reference to FIGS. 25A and 25B, the
frame 502 comprises a first section 568 and a second section 570.
Instead of the flange 512 described above, the first section 568
comprises posts 566 for fixing the frame to the underside of the
upper face 202 of the top section 200 via screws, for example. The
second section 570 attaches to the first section 568 via screws
572, as shown in FIG. 25B.
[0134] During assembly of this embodiment, the first section 568 of
the frame 502 is laid upside-down and various components of the
waste sealing mechanism described in detail below are installed
into the first section 568, as shown in FIG. 25A. After the
components of the waste sealing mechanism have been installed into
the first section 568, the second section 570 is attached to the
first section to secure the components of the waste sealing
mechanism in place, as shown in FIG. 25B.
[0135] Finally the assembled frame 502 is attached to the upper
face 202 of the top section 200 via the posts 566. Thus, in this
embodiment, the frame 502 is not secured to the wall 222.
[0136] As shown in FIG. 26A, a driving axle 514 and a driven axle
516 are rotatably mounted between the first 504 and third 506 walls
of the frame 502. The axles 514, 516 extend in a longitudinal
direction, substantially parallel to the second 508 and fourth 510
side walls of the frame 502. An interior face of the third wall 506
has a mounting bar 518 projecting inwardly therefrom. The mounting
bar 518 has a first cut-out portion 520 into which a second end of
the driving axle 514 is received. The mounting bar 518 has a second
cut-out portion 522 in which a block 524 is slideably mounted. A
second end of the driven axle 516 is received into an aperture of
the block 524. A spring 526 is provided under compression between
an inner face of the cut-out portion 522 and an outer face of the
block 524 to bias the block 524 and hence the driven axle 516
towards the driving axle 514.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 26B, first ends of the driving axle 514 and
the driven axle 516 are mounted to the first wall 504 of the frame
502 in a similar fashion. The interior face of the first wall 504
has a mounting bar 528 having first 530 and second 532 cut-out
portions similar to the first 520 and second 522 cut-out portions
of the mounting bar 518 described above. The first end of the
driving axle 514 is received into the first cut-out portion 530 and
the second cut-out portion 532 has a block 534 slideably mounted
therein into which the first end of the driven axle 516 is
received. A spring 536 under compression located in the second
cut-out portion 532 biases the block 536 and driven axle 516
towards the driving axle 514.
[0138] As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, a portion of the first wall
504 and mounting bar 528 that receives the driven axle 514 is
outwardly offset from the portion of the first wall 504 and
mounting bar 528 that receives the driving axle 516. Thus the
driving axle 514 is longer than the driven axle 516.
[0139] With reference to FIG. 28, the waste sealing mechanism 500
further comprises the drive shaft 538, a worm gear 540, a wheel
gear 542, a driving gear 544 and a driven gear 546.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 7, the drive shaft 538 projects upwardly
from the waste sealing mechanism 500 through the aperture 213 in
the face 202 of the top section 200 and the aperture 215 in the
removable insert 206, as previously described. The drive shaft 538
is rotatably mounted in a tubular casing 548 of the frame 502, as
shown in FIG. 26B.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 27, the underside of the spur gear 126 (or
of the inner spur gear 154 of the slip device 152) has a tubular
projection 134. The hole 128 in the spur gear 126 (or in the inner
spur gear 154 of the slip device 152) extends through the tubular
projection 134. When the lid 100 of the waste disposal device 1 is
closed, the upper end of the drive shaft 538 is received into the
tubular projection 134 through the hole 128. Drive shaft teeth 550
on the exterior of the drive shaft 538 cooperate with the inner
teeth 130 on the interior of the spur gear 126 (or of the inner
spur gear 154 of the slip device 152) such that the drive shaft 538
rotates with the spur gear 126 (or with the inner spur gear 154 of
the slip device 152).
[0142] Returning to FIG. 28, the lower end of the drive shaft 538
is coupled to a worm gear 540.
[0143] The wheel gear 542 is mounted on the first end of the
driving axle 514, and rotates with the driving axle 514. Wheel gear
teeth of the wheel gear 542 cooperate with worm gear teeth of the
worm gear 540 such that rotation of the worm gear 540 causes
rotation of the wheel gear 542. As the wheel gear is mounted on the
driving axle 514, rotation of the wheel gear 542 causes rotation of
the driving axle 514.
[0144] The driving gear 544 is also mounted on the driving axle
514, coaxially with the wheel gear 542. Thus, rotation of the wheel
gear 542 or the axle 514 causes rotation of the driving gear
544.
[0145] As can be seen in FIG. 28, the wheel gear 542 comprises a
main body 574 and a wheel gear cap 576. The main body 574 is
integral with the driving gear 544, and the wheel gear cap 576 is
fitted to the main body 574. The wheel gear cap teeth are aligned
with the main body teeth at the end of the wheel gear cap 576 that
is fitted to the main body 574, and are contoured to match the
curvature of the worm gear 540.
[0146] During assembly, the worm gear 540 is installed alongside
the driving gear 544 and the main body 574 of the wheel gear 542,
and then the wheel gear cap 576 is fitted to the main body 574.
Thus the two-part construction of the wheel gear 542 allows the
wheel gear 542 to be assembled with the worm gear 540 in the small
space available in the frame whilst ensuring the best possible
meshing of the worm gear 540 and the wheel gear 542.
[0147] The driven gear 546 is mounted on the driven axle 516, such
that driven gear teeth of the driven gear 546 cooperate with
driving gear teeth of the driving gear 544. Thus, rotation of the
driving gear 544 in a first direction causes rotation of the driven
gear 546 and the driven axle 516 in a second, opposite
direction.
[0148] In operation, with the lid 100 of the waste disposal device
1 closed, a user rotates the ring 106 via the handle 108, thereby
causing the spur gear 126 to rotate. The rotating spur gear 126
causes the drive shaft 538 and worm gear 540 to rotate. The
rotating worm gear 540 drives the wheel gear 542, which in turn
causes the driving axle 514 and driving gear 544 to rotate in a
first direction. The rotating driving gear 544 causes the driven
gear 546 and hence the driven axle 516 to rotate in a second,
opposite direction.
[0149] A first roller 600 is mounted on the driving axle 514 and a
second roller 602 is mounted on the driven axle 516 as shown in
FIG. 29. In FIG. 29, a portion of the frame 502 is not shown. The
first 600 and second 602 rollers are substantially identical. The
first roller 600 will now be described but it will be understood
that the following description applies equally to the second roller
602.
[0150] The first roller 600 comprises first 603 and second 605
substantially cylindrical ends joined by a joining section 608,
wherein the joining section 608 is offset from the central
(rotational) axis of the roller 600. In cross section, the joining
section 608 forms a substantially circular sector having a central
angle less than 90.degree.. A central axle comprising a metal rod
is provided through the central (rotational) axis of the roller
600. The central axle provides rigidity to the roller 600 during
the waste sealing process described below. Alternatively, the
joining section 608 may be radially displaced from the central
(rotational) axis of the roller 600 to provide a larger maximum
size of an aperture 606 between the first 600 and second 602
rollers, described in more detail below.
[0151] The first 603 and second 605 substantially cylindrical ends
of the roller 600 and the radially outer portion of the joining
section 608 are covered by a flexible, resilient material 610. The
first 520 and second 522 cut-out sections of the mounting bar 518
of the third wall 506 of the frame 502 and the first 530 and second
532 cut-out sections of the mounting bar 528 of the first wall 504
of the frame 502 are spaced apart a distance approximately
equivalent to the diameter of the roller 600, such that when
mounted on the driving 514 and driven 516 axles the material 610 of
the first roller 600 is compressed against the material 610 of the
second roller 602 by the springs 526 and 536.
[0152] Because the material 610 covering the roller 600 is flexible
and resilient, the surface of the roller 600 can grip and draw the
film 343 as the roller 600 rotates.
[0153] The radius of the root circle of the driving 544 and driven
546 gears (i.e. the radius of the gears as measured to the valleys
between the teeth) is less than the radius of the roller 600
including the material 610 to allow the material 610 of the first
roller 600 to contact the material 610 of the second roller 602.
The distance that the teeth project from the root circle of the
driving 544 and driven 546 gears is greater than the radius of the
roller 600 including the material 610 to allow the teeth of the
driving 544 and driven 546 gears to mesh.
[0154] In operation, a user opens the lid 100 of the waste disposal
device 1 and inserts an item of waste to be disposed of through the
aperture 210 into the removable insert 206. The funnel portion 208
of the removable insert 206 guides the item of waste towards the
centre of the aperture 410 in the cassette 400.
[0155] The item of waste is dropped through the apertures 210, 410
by the user so that it contacts the film 434 drawn from the rolls
412 and rests on the joining sections 608 of the first 600 and
second 602 rollers, which form a platform as shown in FIG. 29. The
item of waste is separated from each of the first 600 and second
602 rollers by the film 434.
[0156] When the item of waste is located on the platform formed by
the joining sections 608 of the first 600 and second 602 rollers,
the user closes the lid 100. The user then rotates the ring 106
using the handle 108, causing the first 600 and second 602 rollers
to rotate through the configurations shown in FIGS. 29 to 32. The
gear ratios of the ring 106, spur gear 126, worm gear 540 and wheel
gear 542 are such that a 360.degree. rotation of the ring 106
causes a 360.degree. rotation of each of the first 600 and second
602 rollers.
[0157] As the first 600 and second 602 rollers are rotated through
90.degree. from the configuration shown in FIG. 29 to the
configuration shown in FIG. 30, the two layers of film 434 from the
respective rolls 412 are compressed together and drawn towards the
bottom section 300 of the waste disposal device 1 by the material
610 surrounding the cylindrical end portions of the first 600 and
second 602 rollers, which is put under compression by the springs
526 and 536. The springs 526, 536 are chosen such that the force
applied by the springs 526, 536 to the layers of film 434 via the
material 610 surrounding the first 600 and second 602 rollers is
sufficient to activate the adhesive on the surface of the layers of
film 434. Thus, when the two layers of film 434 are compressed
together they adhere to one another forming a seal below the item
of waste, to create the base of new sealed pouch.
[0158] As the first 600 and second 602 rollers are rotated through
a further 90.degree. from the configuration shown in FIG. 30 to the
configuration shown in FIG. 31, the two layers of film 434 and the
item of waste are drawn further towards the bottom section 300 and
an aperture 606 forms between the first 600 and second 620 rollers,
into which the item of waste drops. Thus, the two layers of film
are compressed together to form a seal either side of the item of
waste to create the sides of the sealed pouch.
[0159] As the first 600 and second 602 rollers are rotated through
a further 90.degree. from the configuration shown in FIG. 31 to the
configuration shown in FIG. 32, more film 434 is drawn from the
rolls 412 and the item of waste moves further towards the bottom
section 300. As the item of waste is drawn towards the bottom
section 300 along with the film 434, the joining sections 608 of
each of the first 600 and second 602 rollers rotate around the item
of waste, but preferably do not compress it.
[0160] Finally, the first 600 and second 602 rollers are rotated
through a further 90.degree. from the configuration shown in FIG.
32, and the waste disposal device 1 returns to the configuration
shown in FIG. 29 ready to receive another item of waste. As the
first 600 and second 602 rollers rotate through this final phase,
the material 610 on the outer radial surface of the joining section
608 of the first roller 600 contacts the material 610 on the outer
radial surface of the joining section 608 of the second roller 602
via the two layers of film 434, compressing the two layers of film
434 together and forming a seal above the item of waste. A complete
seal has now been formed around the item of waste. This creates a
totally sealed pouch around the waste item and also forms the base
of a new sealed pouch, into which a subsequent item of waste can be
inserted.
[0161] As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the material 610 covering
each of the rollers 600, 602 may comprise one or more depressions
612 in the portions of the material 610 covering the first 603 and
second 605 substantially cylindrical ends. When the rollers 600,
602 are installed in the waste disposal system, each depression 612
in the material 610 of the first roller 600 is paired with a
depression 612 in the material 610 of the second roller 602. The
pair of depressions 612 align as the rollers 600, 602 rotate,
thereby creating sealed pockets between the two layers of film 434
around the sealed pouch described above. Thus the depressions 612
capture and seal away any liquid that may leak from the item of
waste during the waste sealing process. If necessary, pairs of
depressions 612 may be arranged as a series in an axial direction
along the rollers 600, 602 such that liquid collecting anywhere
along the region where the two layers of film 434 meet is captured
and sealed away during the waste sealing process.
[0162] Alternatively, the rollers 600, 602 may be provided without
the covering material 610. In this case, the rollers 600, 602 may
be provided with depressions moulded directly into the surface of
the rollers 600, 602.
[0163] The material 610 covering each of the rollers 600, 602 may
comprise projections, which may be paired across the first 600 and
second 602 rollers as described in relation to the depressions 612
above. The projections on the material 610 apply an additional
sealing force to the layers of film 434 as they are compressed
between the rollers 600, 602.
[0164] In an embodiment, a ratchet mechanism may be provided on the
driving gear 544 instead of the ratchet 140 provided in the lid
100, as described above. In this embodiment, a ratchet arm 560 is
provided on a rim 554 projecting from the circumference of the root
circle of the driving gear 544, as shown in FIGS. 32A to 32C. The
portion of the rim 554 forming the ratchet arm 560 is not fixed
directly to the driving gear 544, as shown in FIG. 32B, and is free
to deflect radially inward towards the central axis of the driving
gear 544.
[0165] A free end of the ratchet arm 560 comprises an abutment 562.
A ramped portion 564 of the ratchet arm 560 ramps radially
outwardly from a fixed end of the ratchet arm 560, where the
ratchet arm 560 is joined to the rim 554, to a tip of the abutment
562.
[0166] In operation, as the waste sealing mechanism 500 reaches the
end of the cycle described above with respect to FIGS. 29 to 32,
the ramped portion 564 abuts an edge of the mounting bar 528. As
the driving gear 544 rotates further, the ramped portion 564 slides
over the edge of the mounting bar 528, causing the ratchet arm 560
to be deflected radially inwardly. As the driving gear 544 rotates
yet further, the abutment 562 passes the edge of the mounting bar
528 and the ratchet arm 560 returns to the neutral position shown
in FIGS. 32A to 32C.
[0167] Once the ratchet arm 560 has returned to the neutral
position (i.e. as per FIG. 29), the abutment 562 abuts the edge of
the mounting bar 528 to prevent reverse rotation of the driving
gear 544. Thus a user is able to rotate the waste sealing mechanism
500 in either direction during a cycle, but once the cycle has been
completed reverse rotation is prevented.
[0168] In an embodiment, a second wheel gear is mounted on the
driven axle 516, and the worm gear 540 is positioned between the
driving axle 514 and the driven axle 516 such that the worm gear
drives both the driving 514 and driven 516 axles via the wheel gear
542 and the second wheel gear, respectively. Such a configuration
may drive the driven axle 516 more effectively, but may limit the
sealing pressure that can be applied to the film 434 via the
rollers 600, 602.
[0169] A cutting mechanism may be provided in the bottom section
300 to cut the film 434 when the waste disposal device 1 is full.
The cutting mechanism comprises a cutter slider body and a cutter
slider rail. In operation, the cutter slider body is drawn across
the cutter slider rail and the edge of the film 434 is guided
towards a blade located at the end of a narrowing channel to cut
the film 434.
[0170] The cutting mechanism may be located on an inner surface of
the drawer in the bottom section 300 described above. The cutting
mechanism may be located at the back of the drawer, so that when a
user opens the drawer the film 434 is pulled against the cutter
slider rail reader to be cut by the cutter slider body.
[0171] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 44a, if the film can easily
be torn then the waste storage device may include a moulded feature
so that the user can initiate tearing the film by pulling it
against a notch 1001 or suitably sharpened edge to nick the
film.
[0172] An alternative drive mechanism 1000 is shown in FIGS. 44 and
45. In the alternative drive mechanism 1000, a user applies
torsional force to a control knob 1002 to rotate the rollers 600,
602. Rotation of the control knob 1002 rotates a drive shaft 1038.
Rotation of the drive shaft 1038 is transferred to a secondary
drive shaft 1042 via a bevel gear 1040. The secondary drive shaft
1042 drives a gear 1048, which in turn meshes with the driving gear
1044. The driving gear 1044 drives the first roller 600 and meshes
with a driven gear 1046, which drives the second roller 1048, in a
similar manner to that described above. Ideally, one revolution of
the control knob 1002 provides exactly one revolution of the
rollers 600, 602.
[0173] The alternative drive mechanism 1000 provides an easy to
operate drive mechanism, because the control knob 1002 combined
with the bevel gear 1040 requires less torque in operation than
other drive mechanisms as it is a very efficient transmission and
the low ratio gearing is quieter than higher ratio gearing.
[0174] FIG. 45 also demonstrates an alternative to the springs 526,
236 and blocks 524, 534 of the drive mechanism 500 illustrated in
FIGS. 26A and 26B and described above. Drive mechanism 1000
comprises a pair of V-shaped springs 1026, 1036. One end of each of
the V-shaped springs 1026, 1036 is fixed to the frame 1004, and the
other end applies a force to the driven axle 1016 in a direction
towards the driving axle 1014, thereby ensuring that the driven
1046 and driving 1044 gears are tightly meshed and that the film is
compressed between the rollers 600, 602.
[0175] FIG. 46 shows the control knob 1002 with a cap removed. The
control knob includes a slip device 1052 similar to the slip device
152 described above with reference to FIG. 6A, which prevents
excessive torque being applied to the waste sealing mechanism 1000,
for example if the waste sealing mechanism 1000 is locked or
jammed.
[0176] The control knob 1002 comprises a control portion 1006 and a
hub portion 1008. The control portion 1006 and the hub portion 1008
are both coaxial with the drive shaft 1038. The hub portion 1008 is
coupled to the drive shaft 1038, such that rotation of the hub
portion 1008 causes the drive shaft 1038 to rotate. The coupling
may be achieved by any known method although the inventors have
found it useful to use a drive shaft 1038 with a `D`-shaped cross
section and a complimentarily-shaped receiving means on the hub
portion 1008. The control portion 1006 is not coupled to the drive
shaft 1038, such that the control portion 1006 can freely rotate
around the drive shaft 1038.
[0177] The hub portion 1008 comprises a spur gear 1054 and the
control portion 1006 comprises a slip gear 1056. The spur gear 1054
is provided with a plurality of rounded teeth around its outer
circumference and the slip gear 1056 comprises one or more flexible
arms 1060, which depend radially inwardly from the slip gear 1056.
A free end of the flexible arm 1060 is received between two of the
rounded teeth on the spur gear 1054, such that rotation of the
control portion 1006 and slip gear 1056 causes rotation of the spur
gear 1054, hub portion 1008 and drive shaft 1038. However, when an
excessive torque is applied to the slip gear 1056, the flexible
arms 1060 will flex, and slip over one or more of the rounded teeth
of the spur gear 1054. Hence excessive torque will not be
transferred through the slip device 1052 to the drive shaft
1038.
[0178] The hub portion 1008 also comprises a notch 1082 at its
outer circumference which acts as an indicator of the relative
position of the rollers 600, 602. Rotation of the hub portion 1008
is fixed to the rotation of the rollers 600, 602 and in order that
the user can observe how far through the waste sealing cycle they
have progressed a notch 1082 is provided at its outer edge. In
normal use the notch 1082 moves with the control knob 1002 as the
user turns it to operate the rollers 600, 602, However, if the slip
device 1052 is activated, then the rollers 600, 602, the hub
portion 1008 and the notch 1082 all stop moving. The user can now
address reason for the slipping, for example by reversing the
rollers or removing any obstructions, before continuing with the
waste sealing cycle and will always be able to refer to the
position of the notch 1082 as to the relative position of the
rollers 600, 602.
[0179] The control knob 1002 also comprises a ratchet system 1060
which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 47 to 49.
[0180] The ratchet system 1060 comprises a spring 1062 which acts
as a pawl in the ratchet system 1060. The spring 1062 is located in
a cut-portion 1064 of the hub portion 1008. The spring 1062
comprises a fixed end 1066 and a free end 1068 separated by a
U-shaped portion 1070.
[0181] The fixed end 1066 of the spring 1062 is substantially
L-shaped and abuts a shoulder 1072 of the hub portion 1008 to
prevent the spring 1062 from moving relative to the hub portion
1008 when the hub portion 1008 is rotated in an anti-clockwise
direction (in the orientation shown in FIG. 47). The U-shaped
portion 1070 of the spring 1062 abuts a lug 1074 of the hub portion
1008 to prevent the spring 1062 from moving relative to the hub
portion 1008 when the hub portion is rotated in a clockwise
direction (in the orientation shown in FIG. 47). Thus the spring
1062 rotates with the hub portion 1008.
[0182] FIGS. 48 and 49 show the ratchet system 1060 with the hub
portion 1008 removed for the purposes of clarity but in the
following description it will be understood that the spring 1062
rotates with the hub portion 1008.
[0183] The free end 1068 of the spring 1062 comprises a ramped
portion 1076 and a stepped portion 1078. In a neutral position of
the hub portion 1008, the free end of the spring 1062 is located in
a cut-out portion 1080 of the lid. As the hub portion 1008 is
rotated in a clockwise direction (in the orientation shown in FIG.
47), the ramped portion 1076 of the spring 1062 abuts and slides
over an edge of the cut-out portion 1080 of the lid, compressing
the spring 1062 as shown in FIG. 49. Thus rotation of the hub
portion 1008 in a clockwise direction is permitted. The resistance
required to push the ramped portion 1076 of the spring 1062 over
the edge of the cut-out portion 1080 will be sufficient that the
rollers are unable to rotate under the weight of earlier sealed
packages. However, the resistance will still be low enough that an
adult, but not a small child, can rotate the control knob 1002
without difficulty.
[0184] As the hub portion 1008 nears the completion of a 360 degree
rotation, the free end 1068 of the spring 1062, which is under
compression, returns into the cut-out portion 1080 of the lid. When
returning into the cut-out portion of the lid, the spring 1062 will
make a clearly audible click sound that tells the user they have
completed the sealing operation.
[0185] If the hub portion 1008 is rotated in an anticlockwise
direction (in the orientation shown in FIG. 47), the stepped
portion 1078 of the spring 1062 abuts an edge of the cut-out
portion 1080 of the lid and further rotation of the hub portion
1008 is prevented. Thus rotation of the hub portion 1008 in an
anticlockwise direction from the neutral position is resisted.
[0186] The ratchet system 1060 therefore allows free rotation of
the hub portion 1008 in the clockwise direction. If, during
rotation, a blockage occurs in the waste sealing mechanism, the hub
portion 1008 may be rotated anticlockwise so that the blockage can
be addressed. The ratchet system 1060 means that the user can
reverse the waste sealing mechanism through the current cycle
without risk of unsealing any older packages. However, once a
complete 360 degree rotation of the hub portion 1008 has occurred
and the waste sealing operation is complete, reversal of the waste
sealing mechanism is resisted.
Locking Mechanism
[0187] The waste disposal device 1 further comprises a locking
mechanism 700. With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, the locking
mechanism 700 comprises a lock 702 mounted on the frame 502 of the
waste sealing mechanism 500, a hole 552 in the driving gear 544, a
rim 554 projecting from the circumference of the root circle of the
driving gear 544 and the locking plate 132 of the lid 100. The
locking mechanism 700 prevents actuation of the waste sealing
mechanism 500 when the lid 100 is open and limits rotation of the
waste sealing mechanism 500 to a single sealing cycle when the lid
100 is closed, to avoid film 434 wastage.
[0188] As shown in FIG. 35, the lock 702 is mounted to the mounting
bar 528 of the first wall 504 of the frame 502 between the first
530 and second 532 cut-out portions and proximal to the first
cut-out portion 530.
[0189] With reference to FIGS. 36 and 37, the lock 702 comprises a
mounting portion 704 and a locking portion 708. The mounting
portion 704 and locking portion 708 are joined by a sprung portion
706. The sprung portion 706 allows the locking portion 708 to flex
in a first direction parallel to the central axis of the driving
axle 514. The locking portion 708 further comprises a projection
710 that cooperates with the hole 552 in the driving gear 544 and a
release portion 712 that cooperates with the locking plate 132 of
the lid 100.
[0190] The mounting portion 704 further comprises a driving portion
714 extending therefrom that cooperates with the rim 554 of the
driving gear 544. The driving portion 714 can flex with respect to
the mounting portion 704 in a second direction perpendicular to the
first direction and parallel to a radial direction of the driving
gear 544.
[0191] The release portion 712 comprises a substantially planar
surface that extends from the locking portion 708 in the first
direction, away from the driving gear 544 when the lock 702 is
mounted in the frame 502. A lip 716 extends from an end of the
release portion 712 distal from the locking portion 708. The lip
716 comprises a hump 718.
[0192] With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, the locking plate 132 of
the lid 100 comprises a planar surface having a curved edge. A
projecting flange 136 extends outwardly from the curved edge. The
projecting flange 136 comprises a cut-out portion 138 towards an
end of the locking plate 132 distal from the face 102 of the lid
100 that cooperates with the hump 718 of the lock 702.
[0193] As shown in FIG. 38, the release portion 712 further
comprises a ramped portion 720. As the locking portion 708 flexes
in the first direction 726, the ramped portion 720 of the release
portion 712 abuts a corresponding ramped portion 722 on the driving
portion 714, causing the driving portion 714 to flex in the second
direction 724.
[0194] With reference to FIG. 39, the rim 554 of the driving gear
544 comprises first 556 and second 558 indentations that cooperate
with the driving portion 714 of the lock 702. The first 556 and
second 558 indentations project radially inwardly from the rim 554
and each comprise a steeply ramped convex portion and a shallow
ramped concave portion. The first 556 and second 558 indentations
are radially spaced around the rim 554 by approximately 20.degree.
and are proximal to the hole 552 in the driving gear 544.
[0195] When the lid 100 of the waste disposal device 1 is closed,
the hump 718 of the lock 702 rests in the cut-out portion 138 of
the locking plate 132 as shown in FIG. 34. Once the waste sealing
mechanism 500 has been rotated through 360.degree. as described
above with reference to FIGS. 29 to 32, the projection 710 is
received into the hole 552 in the driving gear 544 by the biasing
action of the sprung portion 706 as is also shown in FIG. 34,
thereby preventing further rotation of the waste sealing mechanism
500.
[0196] When a user opens the lid 100 fully to insert an item of
waste into the waste disposal device 1 as described above and
subsequently closes the lid 100, the projecting flange 136 on the
locking plate 132 of the lid 100 initially abuts the hump 718 of
the lock 702, causing the locking portion 708 to flex in the first
direction 726, thereby removing the projection 710 from the hole
552 in the driving gear 544 and releasing the driving gear 544. As
the locking portion 708 flexes in the first direction 726, the
driving portion 714 flexes in the second direction 724 as described
above, causing an end 728 of the driving portion 714 distal to the
mounting portion 704 to clear the steeply ramped convex portion of
the first indentation 556 of the rim 554 of the driving gear
544.
[0197] As the lid 100 is moved further towards the closed position,
the hump 718 of the lock 702 is received into the cut-out portion
138 of the locking plate 132 by the biasing action of the sprung
portion 706 of the lock 702 and the locking portion 708 is released
back towards a neutral position. As the locking portion 708 is
released it flexes in a direction opposite to the first direction
726, allowing the driving portion 714 to flex back towards a
neutral position in a direction opposite to the second direction
724. As the driving portion 714 flexes in the direction opposite to
the second direction 724 the end 728 of the driving portion 714
abuts the shallow ramped concave portion of the first indentation
556 and applies a force in a radially outward direction. The force
applied by the driving portion 714 causes the driving gear 544 to
rotate as the end 728 of the driving portion 714 slides along the
shall ramped concave portion of the first indentation 556.
[0198] Because the driving gear 544 has been rotated, the
projection 710 does not return into the hole 552 in the driving
gear 544 after the lid 100 has been closed until the waste sealing
mechanism 500 has undergone the complete cycle described above with
reference to FIGS. 29 to 32.
[0199] A second indentation 558 is provided in the rim 554 of the
driving gear 544 adjacent to the first indentation 556. The second
indentation 558 is similar in structure and operation to the first
indentation 556, and allows a user to reverse the waste sealing
cycle to the starting configuration shown in FIG. 29 and open the
lid 100, for example to release a blockage.
[0200] An alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism 800 is
shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. The locking mechanism 800 of this
embodiment is similar to the locking mechanism 700 described above
with reference to FIGS. 33 to 39. However, instead of the locking
plate 132 of the lid 100, a brake rod 830 is provided. The brake
rod 830 is slideably mounted in the top section 200. A first end of
the brake rod 830 comprises a curved surface 832, which cooperates
with a cam 150 provided on the underside of the lid 100 near the
hinged edge 104. As the lid 100 is opened, the cam 150 abuts the
curved surface 832 of the brake rod 830, causing the brake rod 830
to slide in the top section 200.
[0201] A second end of the brake rod 830 comprises a ramped portion
834. The ramped portion 834 cooperates with the hump 718 of the
lock 702. As the lid 100 is opened, the brake rode 830 slides in
the top section 200 and the ramped portion 834 abuts the hump 718
of the lock 702, causing the locking portion 708 of the lock 702 to
deflect away from the driving gear 544 and removing the projection
710 from the hole 552 in the driving gear 544.
[0202] As the locking portion 708 is deflected away from the
driving gear by the ramped portion 834 of the brake rod 830, the
driving portion 714 flexes in the second direction 724 shown in
FIG. 38 and causes the driving gear 544 to rotate such that the
projection 710 does not return into the hole 552 in the driving
gear 544 when the lid 100 is subsequently closed, as described
above.
[0203] It will be appreciated that the arrangements described above
can be implemented in any appropriate material and in relation to
any dimension and material of device or cassette.
[0204] In place of the ring 106 and handle 108 provided in the lid
100, any appropriate mechanism may be used to drive the waste
sealing mechanism 500. For example, a handle may be provided on the
wall 302 of the bottom section 300, which is mechanically
connected, directly or otherwise, to the driving axle 514 or the
driven axle 516. Alternatively, the axles 514, 516 may be driven by
an electric motor.
[0205] Instead of replacing the spur gear 126, the slip device 152
may be provided at any appropriate location within the waste
disposal device 1. For example, the slip device may be provided in
the driving gear 544.
[0206] The top section 200 and the bottom section 300 may be
integrally formed around the waste sealing mechanism 500. The frame
502 of the waste sealing mechanism 500 may be integrally formed
with the top section 200.
[0207] The sections 402, 404 of the cassette 400 may not be
substantially identical. For example, the cassette 400 may be
telescopic, wherein a portion of the second section 404 is received
within a portion of the first section 402. Any appropriate
mechanism enabling the cassette to be movable between a first,
compact configuration and a second, extended configuration may be
employed.
[0208] In place of the rolls of film 412, any suitable dispenser
for dispensing film from the cassette may be used. For example,
each section 402, 404 of the cassette 400 may hold a box of folded
film. The dispensers may be supported within the cassette 400 by
any appropriate means.
[0209] Whilst a specific example of the waste sealing mechanism 500
has been described in detail above, any appropriate mechanism can
be used to rotate the rollers 600, 602 to seal an item of waste
within the film 434.
[0210] The first 600 and second 602 rollers may be biased towards
one another by means other than the springs 526, 536. For example,
the driving 514 and driven 516 axles may be spaced apart such that
the coating 610 of the first 600 and second 602 rollers is under
compression.
[0211] Whist a specific example of a locking mechanism 700 has been
described above, it will be appreciated that any appropriate
locking mechanism could be used.
Alternative Waste Sealing Device
[0212] An alternative waste sealing device 2000 is shown in FIGS.
50-53. The waste sealing device 2000 folds a single layer of film
to seal items of waste. The waste sealing device 2000 comprises a
container 2100, a film dispenser 2200 and a waste sealing mechanism
2300. In the figures, the walls of the container 2100 are shown as
being transparent to demonstrate the waste sealing system 2000,
however it will be understood that the container 2100 may be
opaque.
[0213] The container 2100 comprises a front wall 2102, a rear wall
2104, a bottom wall 2106, side walls 2108, 2110, a waste-receiving
wall 2112 and a top wall 2114. The waste-receiving wall 2112
extends from the top wall 2114 to the front wall 2102 and is angled
such that, in use, the waste-receiving wall 2112 is directed
towards a user. The waste-receiving wall 2112 comprises an aperture
2116 through which waste is received into the waste sealing device
2000. The front wall 2102 may comprise a drawer into which waste is
deposited by the waste sealing device 2000 and from which a user
can retrieve sealed waste packages.
[0214] The film dispenser 2200 and waste sealing mechanism 2300
will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 52 to
53.
[0215] The dispenser 2200 dispenses film 2202. The dispenser 2200
may comprise a cassette, which is removeably installed into the
waste sealing device 2000 to allow replenishment of film 2202. The
dispenser may house a roll of film 2204 which is mounted in the
dispenser such that the roll of film 2204 can rotate about its
longitudinal axis to dispense film 2202. At least one side of the
film 2202 comprises an adhesive, or the film may be formed of a
material suitable for heat-sealing.
[0216] As film 2202 is dispensed from the dispenser 2200, the film
2202 runs over an idle roller 2206. The idle roller 2206 may be
mounted in a cassette, or it may be mounted in the container 2100.
The idle roller 2206 maintains an angle between the film supply
from the dispenser 2200 and the waste sealing mechanism 2300 as the
supply of film 2202 is depleted.
[0217] The waste sealing mechanism 2300 comprises a motor 2302, a
drive belt 2304, a driving roller 2306, a driven roller 2308 a
secondary driving roller 2310 and a secondary driven roller
2312.
[0218] In operation, two corners 2208, 2210 of an end of the film
2202 are folded together and fed into the waste sealing mechanism
2300. The film 2202 thus comprises a fold from each of the ends of
the roll of film 2204 towards the waste sealing mechanism forming a
pyramidal shape with a triangular opening 2212.
[0219] When activated, the motor 2302 drives the drive belt 2304,
which in turn rotates the driving roller 2306. The motor 2302 may
comprise an electric motor, or it may comprise a manually-driven
mechanism. The driving roller 2306 engages the film 2202 against
the driven roller 2308 and draws film through the waste sealing
mechanism 2300 from the dispenser 2200, maintaining the folded
pyramidal configuration of the film 2202. The driving roller 2306
may comprise studs to grip the film 2202. Because the film 2202
comprises an adhesive, a first edge of the film 2202 is sealed to a
second edge of the film 2202 as the driving roller 2306 engages the
film 2202 against the driven roller 2308. The driving 2306 and
driven 2308 rollers may be spring-loaded or otherwise biased
towards one another to provide an effective seal.
[0220] The motor 2302 also drives a secondary driving roller 2310.
The secondary driving roller 2310 engages the film against a
secondary driven roller 2312 in a manner similar to the driving
2306 and driven 2308 rollers described above. The secondary driving
2310 and driven 2312 rollers maintain tension in the film for a
subsequent sealing step which will be described below.
[0221] The waste sealing mechanism 2300 further comprises a cutter
2314. The cutter 2314 is slideably mounted within the container
2100 and is arranged to engage the film 2202 at a position between
the driving 2306 and driven 2308 rollers and the secondary driving
2310 and driven 2312 rollers, where the film 2202 is maintained
under tension as described above.
[0222] The cutter 2314 comprises a cutting edge 2316 and a sealing
bar 2318. The sealing bar 2318 extends across upper and lower
surfaces of the cutter 2314 and parallel to the cutting edge 2316.
The cutting edge 2316 protrudes past the sealing bar 2318 towards
the film 2202.
[0223] As best seen in FIG. 54, the waste sealing mechanism 2300
also comprises a backing plate 2320. The backing plate 2320 is
located on the opposite side of the container 2100 to the cutter
2314 and is substantially perpendicular to the cutter 2314. The
backing plate 2320 comprises an elongated aperture 2322
corresponding to the length of the cutting edge 2316.
[0224] After an item of waste has passed through the waste sealing
mechanism, the cutter 2314 may be slid towards the film 2202. The
cutter 2314 deflects the film 2202 towards the backing plate 2320.
The sealing bar 2318, which has a height extending from the plane
of the cutter 2314 greater than the height of the aperture 2322 in
the backing plate, presses the film 2202 against the backing plate
whilst the cutting edge 2316 extends through the aperture 2322. The
cutting edge thus cuts the folded film 2202, and the sealing bar
seals the folded film 2202 along an edge either side of the
cut.
[0225] Thus, in use, a user places an item of waste through the
aperture 2116 in the waste-receiving wall 2112 of the container
2100. The item of waste is received through the triangular opening
2212 of the folded film 2202. The motor 2302 is then activated,
which draws the film 2202 from the dispenser 2200, creating a seal
between the folded edges of the film 2202. The item of waste is
drawn through the waste sealing mechanism with the film 2202. Once
the item of waste has been drawn past the secondary driving 2310
and driven 2312 rollers, the motor 2302 is deactivated and the
cutter 2314 is activated. The cutter 2314 slides in the container
2100 to seal and cut the film 2202 above the item of waste. The
item of waste is now contained within a sealed package of film and
drops into the container 2100. The film 2202 is now sealed at its
lower end ready to receive another item of waste.
[0226] Spatially relative terms, such as "top", "bottom", "over",
"downward", "lower", "above", "upper", "clockwise",
"anti-clockwise" and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above
and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly.
* * * * *